After a rough start to the season, national team goalkeeper Neil Etheridge’s club football career is back on track.
English second-tier side Charlton Athletic has extended Etheridge’s loan deal with the club, after his current contract expired Dec. 31.
The 24-year-old Etheridge signed with third-tier side Oldham Athletic last November, before he was sent on loan to Charlton, which is currently 11th in the English Championship.
Released by Fulham at the end of May last year, Etheridge spent the early months of the season looking for a club until Oldham signed him for a short-term deal. Among the clubs where Etheridge tried out was Charlton, where he hopes to land a permanent deal.
Etheridge has made three appearances for the Addicks, who drew and lost twice since the Azkals goalkeeper came into the fold.
With 43 international caps for the Azkals, Etheridge spent 2008 to 2014 at Fulham with brief loan stints at Leatherhead, Bristol Rovers, Crewe Alexandra and Oldham.
But Etheridge hasn’t played for the Azkals since May, in the AFC Challenge Cup, and Roland Muller and Patrick Deyto have taken turns manning the posts in his absence.
“I’ve made it clear to everyone that I’d like to sign a long-term contract here,” said Etheridge after his debut which ended in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City last week.
“I hope I’ve made an impression on people who make the decisions at Charlton and … I want to get my head down and work.”